[Study of the adaptation to physical exertion in patients with mitral valve defects]

The study was conducted in 80 patients with moderate compensatid mitral valve diseases without any signs of active rheumatic disease and preserved sinus rhythm. On the basis of a clinical examination two groups of patients were singled out: those without clinical manifestations of circulatory insufficiency, and those with Stage 1 circulatory insufficiency. In both groups of patients, at rest and following exercises, a reduced tolerance of physical exercises was observed, as well as a reduction of the minute and stroke indices. Better tolerance of exercises and improved haemodynamic parameters were noted in both groups following Digoxin therapy. The results of the study prompt the presence of a latent cardiac insufficiency in patients without clinical manifestations of the latter, and permit to recommend its therapy with cardiotonic doses of cardiac glycosides.